3h Whale Watching Private tour Beneteau Oceanis 440

If you’re heading to Tenerife and dream of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, this private 3-hour tour aboard a sleek Beneteau Oceanis 44 might just be your perfect escape. Our review highlights the comfort, authenticity, and marine encounters that make this trip stand out—and the details that could influence your decision.

We love that this tour offers a luxurious sailing experience combined with a focus on wildlife, with the chance to see pilot whales in their natural environment. The full sail departure from Puerto Colon promises a scenic start, and the generous local snack offerings keep you energized while you soak up the views. A key highlight for us was the knowledgeable guides, who genuinely seem passionate about marine conservation and whale spotting.

However, a possible consideration is that this is a private tour with a maximum of 8 guests, so while intimacy and personalized service are great, it might not be the best option if you’re traveling solo or in a larger group.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic day on the water with the chance to observe whales and dolphins in a respectful manner. Families, couples, or small groups seeking a combination of comfort, adventure, and local flavor will particularly enjoy it.

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Key Points

Luxury Sailing: The Beneteau Oceanis 44 offers comfort and stability for a smooth ride.
Wildlife Encounters: Focused on spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and even turtles.
Authentic Experience: Guided by knowledgeable staff passionate about marine life and conservation.
Inclusive Snacks & Drinks: Local cheeses, jams, and cold beverages add a touch of local flavor.
Flexible & Private: Small group size ensures personalized attention and a tailored experience.
Ideal for Relaxed Explorers: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back day with wildlife sightings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Closer Look at the Tour

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Starting Point and Setting Off

Your adventure begins at Puerto Colon, a popular and accessible marina in Tenerife’s south. The boat, a Beneteau Oceanis 44, is well-equipped and promises a comfortable, shade-protected space for everyone onboard. The tour departs full sail, giving you the thrill of catching the wind as you glide toward the Atlantic, with the coast of Tenerife slipping by in the background.

Navigating the Atlantic

The journey to whale-spotting waters is approximately 45 minutes sailing from Costa Adeje, during which you’ll enjoy the gentle rocking of the boat and spectacular sea views. The captain and crew are attentive, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. From reviews, we know guides are well-informed and eager to share insights about the local marine environment, which adds an educational element to the trip.

The First Stop: Whale & Dolphin Watching

The core of this trip is the 20-minute “secret stop”, where the crew focuses on spotting pilot whales, dolphins, and sometimes turtles. Reviewers like Britt mention that the tour is “relaxed” and that they were able to see pilot whales up close, which is a rare and exciting encounter. The guides are praised for their knowledge and professionalism, making sure guests understand the importance of respectful wildlife viewing.

Notably, the boat has authorization for whale watching in this region, meaning you’re likely to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat with minimal disturbance. The reviews confirm that sightings are common, and the guides seem adept at locating marine life, even when the sea conditions are challenging.

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A Scenic Yacht Stop

Next, the boat drifts to a “yacht” stop lasting about 50 minutes. Here, the focus shifts to relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and perhaps engaging in snorkeling or simply soaking up the sun. The boat’s spacious, well-equipped interior includes a large living room area, outdoor dining space, and full kitchen amenities, so you can appreciate the luxury even while out at sea.

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Lunch & Leisure at Los Cristianos

Around 30 minutes are allocated for a break at Los Cristianos, where guests can snorkel, taste local foods, or just relax. Reviewers have enjoyed the local snacks—cheeses, jams, olives, and hummus—paired with cold drinks like cava, wine, or beer. The emphasis on local flavors adds to the authentic feel of the experience and makes the trip more than just wildlife watching.

Return and Reflection

The journey back to Puerto Colon takes another 45 minutes, during which many guests like Britt comment on the beautiful sunset views and the peaceful atmosphere. The relaxed pace and friendly crew leave travelers feeling fulfilled and refreshed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Comfort & Convenience

The Beneteau Oceanis 44 is a modern, well-maintained sailing boat that combines luxury with practicality. The shade-protected decks and spacious cabins mean you can enjoy the trip comfortably, even if the sun is strong. With water autonomy of 900 liters and solar panels, this boat is designed for independence, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Wildlife & Conservation Focus

The tour’s authorization for whale watching underscores a commitment to responsible tourism. Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, providing context about the marine species and their behaviors, which elevates the experience beyond simple sightseeing.

Local Food & Drinks

Unlike many short tours that just include snacks, this experience offers local cheeses, jams, and traditional Canarian mojo sauces. Cold drinks like cava and beer are included, making it feel like a true escape rather than a rushed excursion.

Small Group & Private Feel

With a maximum of 8 guests, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. As one reviewer pointed out, the “top guide” made the trip special, sharing personal insights and ensuring everyone’s comfort. This setup is perfect for travelers seeking a personalized experience without feeling rushed or crowded.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Start at Puerto Colon: Easy to reach and well-equipped for departures.
Sailing to the Atlantic: An enjoyable cruise that gets you in the mood for marine life sightings.
Whale & Dolphin Spotting: The highlight—expect pilot whales, dolphins, and perhaps turtles. Guides are skilled at locating wildlife, and the relaxed pace means plenty of time for photos.
Yacht Break & Snorkeling: Enjoy the luxury of the boat, take a dip in the water, or relax on deck with local snacks.
Los Cristianos Stop: A perfect spot for a short break. You can snorkel, sample local foods, or simply enjoy the views.
Return to Puerto Colon: Reflect on your marine adventure with memorable scenery and perhaps a sunset.

Pricing & Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the inclusion of local food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the luxury vessel makes this a good value for a private, personalized experience. The small group size ensures you get personalized attention, and the knowledgeable guides add educational value, making it worth the price for many travelers.

Final Verdict

This private whale-watching tour aboard the Beneteau Oceanis 44 is a compelling choice for those seeking a relaxed, high-quality maritime adventure in Tenerife. The combination of luxury comfort, wildlife encounters, and authentic local snacks creates a well-rounded experience. The attentive guides, responsible wildlife viewing, and stunning scenery make this trip stand out.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a personalized, intimate outing that balances wildlife watching with leisure and comfort. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a peaceful day at sea will find this trip particularly appealing.

For anyone wanting to see pilot whales in their natural environment while enjoying a luxurious boat with excellent amenities, this experience offers a memorable, authentic slice of Tenerife’s marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Puerto Colon and returns to the same location.

What is included in the tour?
The experience includes whale and dolphin watching on a Beneteau Oceanis 44, snacks, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Given the small group and family-friendly amenities, it’s suitable for families, though specific age restrictions are not mentioned.

What should I bring?
A sun hat and towel are recommended for comfort and sun protection.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. You can also reserve now and pay later.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak Italian, Spanish, and English.

Are the wildlife sightings guaranteed?
While sightings depend on conditions, the guides are experienced and authorized for whale watching, with reviews confirming frequent sightings.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, accommodating up to 8 guests for a more exclusive experience.

This private whale-watching trip offers a fantastic way to enjoy Tenerife’s marine life in comfort and style. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day on the water, it provides a blend of adventure, luxury, and local flavor that’s hard to beat.